Spring 2008  Course Syllabus

Course title: International Entrepreneurship

Course number: MBAG/H 646

Instructor: Dr. Anatoly V. ZHUPLEV Professor

Hilton 249 Tel: (310) 338-7414 Fax: (310) 338-3000
E-mail: azhuplev@lmu.edu

Classes: Monday 7:15-10:00 pm Hilton 063

Office hours: Monday: 4:00-6:00 pm

Tuesday: 1:00 -3:00 pm
Thursday: 1:00 pm-3:00 pm, or by appointment

READING
1. US Small Business Administration Starting Your Business http://www.sba.gov/starting_business/index.html
2. SBA Guide to Exporting
http://www.sba.gov/aboutsba/sbaprograms/internationaltrade/exportlibrary/sbge/OIT_SB_GUIDE_EXPORT_INDEX.html
3. A Basic Guide to Exporting. A publication of the U.S. Department of Commerce in Cooperation with
Unz & Co., Inc. 1998 edition. http://www.unzco.com/basicguide/toc.html
3. Electronic sources: will be recommended for specific assignments.
4. Assignments and class handouts: will be provided.

GOALS, STRUCTURE, AND LEARNING OUTCOMES

MBAG/H 646 focuses on developing your knowledge and skills in initiating international entrepreneurial
(IntEnt) venture, managing key international business transactions and operating in multicultural business
environment.

Upon successful completion of this course you should be able to develop and demonstrate your knowledge
and practical IntEnt skills in:
1. Comprehension of key issues, concepts, and steps in entrepreneurship.
2. Finding and using major sources of information and assistance on domestic and international
entrepreneurship, with focus on electronic sources and databases.
3. Understanding IntEnt environment and its key components in the strategic cross-cultural context.
4. Developing a business/marketing plan for an international small business venture start-up or expansion.

INSTRUCTIONAL FORMAT
To ensure an informative and dynamic course a variety of instructional techniques will be used: lectures,
individual and group assignments and class presentations, experiential exercises, videos, case analysis and
presentations, and others. Your individual and group contribution is crucial. An international
business/marketing plan is the major practical outcome of the course. Based on an IntEnt idea and a country
of your choice, this project will enable you to explore contemporary IntEnt issues, apply, test and develop
your knowledge and practical skills

January 10, 2008

 MBAG/H 646 International Entrepreneurship Spring 2008 Instructor: Anatoly Zhuplev

GRADING
Final grades will be based on actual points accumulated individually by each student throughout the course.
Participation in the group activities will be graded individually – an evaluation form will be provided.

Grading Scale (Letter Grade = % of Total Points)

A (4.0) = 100-90% B+ (3.3) = 85-87% C+ (2.3) = 75-77% D (1.0) = 58-67%

A- (3.7) = 88-89% B (3.0) = 80-84% C (2.0) = 70-74% F (0.0) < 58%
B- (2.7) = 78-79% C- (1.7) = 68-69%

CLASS SESSIONS
The class is based on systematic preparation, exchange of knowledge and attitudes, cooperation, and use of a
variety of ways of learning through academic, experiential, and practical sources. IntEnt is associated with
uncertainty, proactive thinking and action: please be ready for some flexibility and a degree of change.
Beyond just disseminating information I see my role in the class as a consultant, facilitator, and catalyst.
Usually, class will begin with a student case presentation, followed by a class discussion, proceed with topic
review, watching and discussing a video. Sometimes, class will go in a different direction. I will test your
home preparation (cases, reading, etc.) by asking for your opinion/judgment based on your home reading.
You will be responsible for preparing and conducting presentations, class discussions etc., putting forth all
appropriate efforts to make the class informative and dynamic.

EXAMS
Exams (Midterm and Final) are not cumulative. Midterm will include objective (True/False) questions and
essays. Final exam will have a take-home format. They will be based on all materials incorporated in the
assigned readings, class discussions, cases, written assignments, videos, and other activities taking place
throughout the course. The study guide and sample questions will be provided no later than one week prior to
each exam.

TERM PROJECT (International Business/Marketing Plan)

Goal: gaining knowledge and developing skills by conducting an individual or group feasibility study of an
IntEnt venture start-up as it relates to the country and the product/service/industry chosen for an international
small business venture. The business plan alternative covers a broader set of issues pertaining to an IntEnt
venture startup, whereas the marketing plan alternative is more narrowly focused on marketing issues for a
small business venture starting up or expanding internationally. “International” means a business originating
in the U.S. or a third country, connected with the U.S., and oriented towards other country(ies).The general
structure and detailed recommendations on how to write the business plan will be provided and discussed.
Please use this material as your general guidelines. It will also be used to grade your work.

I encourage you to explore your own unique international small business venture ideas in this feasibility
study. If interested, let me know as early as possible to set a consultation. Your study can be customized
according to your specific educational, business development or career needs.

CASE PRESENTATION
Goal: developing your skills in analyzing IntEnt issues, finding business information, effective solutions,
and communicating them, in a professional manner, to the class. Format: individual. Each student selects
one of the mini-cases assigned in the syllabus for specific dates. Prior to the scheduled class, the
designated case presenter acting as an IntEnt consulting firm, analyzes the case, prepares solutions/
recommendations, and runs a ~15 minute class discussion of this case.

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 MBAG/H 646 International Entrepreneurship Spring 2008 Instructor: Anatoly Zhuplev

Generically, your case analysis should cover three major elements: (1) case (major events, players, their
background) and a company profile; (2) business environment as relates to the industry covered by the
case, and (3) the country environment in which the case takes place. After having the class discuss the
case the student presents and explains/rationalizes his/her own judgments/solutions/recommendations.
 Since I would like to provide my input/feedback and contribute to your success I kindly request you
to send your case presentation draft for my review and feedback at least a week before the scheduled
date of presentation.
 In your presentation try to integrate the above case elements into a dynamic flow rather then
following the suggested structure “mechanically.”
 Please provide written handouts (a PPP outline, 6 slides per page, 1 copy per student) summarizing
your major case analysis points.

Evaluation:
 Quality of the case analysis, conclusions and recommendations: the depth, arguments, amount of
effort put in studying the issues, additional sources and practical experiences presented.
 Quality of presentation: informative, dynamic, professionally sound, handouts.
 Completeness: additional sources, and relevant information used (integrate industry analysis, country
analysis, company background, and the background of the key players’ involved in the case.
 Relevance of theoretical and methodological approaches/models used from the course materials.

CLASS ATTENDANCE
Attendance in class is important: in addition to learning by reading the course materials, you will learn a
great deal from videos, discussions, and other in-class activities. Your attendance and participation will
also contribute to other students’ learning.

PERSONAL CONTRIBUTION
Along with my information, professional experience and pedagogical effort, your participation and
involvement will affect what you actually gain from this course. It will be equally important for your final
grade. Your personal attitude toward participation can also have a major impact on the whole course,
including that of the other individuals in the class.

Evaluation:
 Completing your home and class assignments.
 Preparedness and active involvement in class discussions with constructive contributions.
 Contributing your own experience and other interesting outside experiences from various sources.

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 MBAG/H 646 International Entrepreneurship Spring 2008 Instructor: Anatoly Zhuplev

Assignments Due Dates Grade

Allocation, %

EXAMS 35%
 Midterm Mar 17 15
 Final May 5 20

TERM PROJECT (Int’l Business/Marketing Plan) 40%

 Paper: May 5 30
 Presentation May 5 10

CASE PRESENTATION: (1 case per student) Please refer to the class schedule 5%

CLASS ATTENDANCE (13 class sessions) 10%

10%
PERSONAL CONTRIBUTION
(assignments, class participation, contribution)
TOTAL 100%

BASIC POLICIES
 Assignments. You are expected to have completed (read and/or written) your home assignments before
the class starts, according to the syllabus or assignment specification.
 Broken Obligations. If you are scheduled for class activities and cannot attend, whatever the reason,
please do your best to arrange another student in the class to substitute for you. Notify the instructor in
advance of this change.
 Conflicting Schedules. The "first come - first served" principle will be used in case of conflicting
schedules.
 Possible Changes. Expect some changes to occur as a result of developing opportunities and efforts to
improve the course, e.g., guest speakers, new publications, etc.
 Communication. Obviously, entrepreneurship means high uncertainty and requires intensive
communication. If you are not certain or have questions, don't hesitate to contact the instructor in a
proactive fasshion. Problems have to be discussed and resolved timely, not when it is too late.
 Missed Midterm Exams. A make up midterm exam will be allowed only under extraordinary
circumstances (e.g. medical illness or death in the family - student must provide a proper supporting
document) during the finals week.

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 MBAG/H 646 International Entrepreneurship Spring 2008 Instructor: Anatoly Zhuplev

Class Schedule
Date Session Topics/Home Assignments/Class Activities

Jan
14 1  Introduction and Administrative Matters: Syllabus, Course Format, Exams, Grading, Interaction and
Communication, Individual Adjustments. Term Project.
 LMU Library Resources for International Entrepreneurship: presentation by Elisa Slater.
 Class will meet at LMU Library, Room 204, at 9PM.
 Key Concepts, Issues and Factors of Successful Entrepreneurship.
Home Assignment SBA: Small Business Planner http://www.sba.gov/starting_business/index.html
Read the material under the links Is Entrepreneurship For You?, Do You Have What It Takes?, Checklist For
Starting A Business. Be ready to present and discuss your findings and thoughts in class.
Video: Entrepreneurs (segments: Gillette, Monopoly): What factors made these business ventures a success?

21 University holiday

28 2 Start-Up Basics
Home Assignment SBA: Small Business Planner http://www.sba.gov/starting_business/index.html
 Read: Finding a Mentor, Buying a Business, Buying a Franchise, Protecting Your Ideas, and Picking Location.
 Glance through the Start-Up Guide, and go through the Checklist for Starting a Business. This exercise will give
you a big picture of a small business venture start-up process and related issues.
 Project Group Meeting #1. Agenda: Product and Country Alternatives, Business Strategies.
Look through sample business plans most appealing to you at http://www.bplans.com/samples/sba.cfm. Critically
review at least one plan, identify its strong and weak points.
Select 3 alternative topics for the term project and look for good teammates.
Video: Entrepreneurs (segments: MTV, Famous Amos): What factors made these business ventures a success?
Feb
4 3  Developing a Business Plan: the Structure, Requirements, Pitfalls, and International Implications.
Home Assignment SBA: Small Business Planner http://www.sba.gov/starting_business/index.html
Read: Write a Business Plan => Strategic Planning,Essential Elements Of A Good Business Plan For Growing
Companies, Using The Business Plan, Finding A Niche
 Please read this chapter carefully: it is the heart of entrepreneurship.
 Case 1.
 Written assignment: based on your earlier critical review of a sample business plan summarize its strengths and
weakness. Bring a 1-page written summary of your home analysis in a memo format. Be ready to make a short
informal presentation of your findings in class. Don’t repeat the same mistakes in developing your own plan!

11 4  Legal Issues.
Home Assignment: SBA: Small Business Planner http://www.sba.gov/starting_business/index.html
Read: Start Your Business => Name Your Business, Choose a Structure, Protect Your Ideas, Get Licenses and
Permits.
 Handout A: Essay. Learn lessons in the small business start-up planning, management, and financing.
 Case 2.

18 University holiday

25 5  Financing.
Home Assignment: SBA: Small Business Planner http://www.sba.gov/starting_business/index.html
 Read: Finance Start-up => Start-Up Costs, Estimating Costs, Breakeven Analysis, Financing Basics,
SBA's Role, Equity Capital, Handling Finances, Personal vs. Business, Finances The Benefits Of Making
Your Banker Your Friend Borrowing Money
Case A: Answer questions 1-3 (verbal).
 Project Meeting #2. Agenda: Finalizing business ideas, strategies, and the most important details.
Video: Are You Ready? Market brief.
 Case 3.

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 MBAG/H 646 International Entrepreneurship Spring 2008 Instructor: Anatoly Zhuplev

Mar  International Business Environment: Opportunities, Barriers, and Strategic Entry Implications.
3 6 Home Assignment: SBA Guide to Exporting
http://www.sba.gov/aboutsba/sbaprograms/internationaltrade/exportlibrary/sbge/OIT_SB_GUIDE_EXPORT_INDEX.html
 Ch. 1. Making the Export Decision. International Business Plan.
 Ch. 2. Identifying International Markets. Ch. 3. Foreign Market Entry.
 Case 4.
Video: Competing in a Global Environment.

University holiday
10
Video: Made in America. Learn about U.S. companies’ success stories in Japan.
17 7 Midterm Exam: Covers sessions 1-6.
Bring a SCANTRON (Form 882), a pen, and a #2 pencil. No Blue Book is needed.

 International Market Research and Marketing.

24 8 Home Assignment: A Basic Guide to Exporting http://www.unzco.com/basicguide/toc.html
 Ch. 2. Developing a Market Plan.
 Case 5.

University holiday
31

Apr Exporting: Planning, Product Preparation; Export of Services; Documentation, Shipping and Logistics
7 9 Home Assignment: SBA Guide to Exporting
 Ch. 4. Export Transaction. Ch. 6. Transporting Goods Internationally.
 Case 6, Case 7, Case 8.
Video: Working with Americans.

 International Legal Considerations.

14 10  Methods of Payment and Financial Transactions.
Home Assignment: A Basic Guide to Exporting http://www.unzco.com/basicguide/toc.html
 Ch. 9. International Legal Considerations. Ch. 12. Methods of Payment.
 Case 9.

Key Elements and Dimensions of a Multicultural Business Environment.

21 11 Business Contacts, Communications, Protocol, and Negotiations.
 Case 10.
Video: International Negotiating

 International Business Venturing: China.

28 12 Home Assignment: Country Commercial Guide: China. Read chapters 1, 3, 4, 5, 6. Glance through other chapters of
your interest as needed.
Go to LMU Library => click on the STAT-USA database => click on GLOBUS & NTDB => click on “Country
Commercial Guides” => click on China. (you can also do it via the GlobalEdge International Business Portal at
http://globaledge.msu.edu/ibrd/CountryIntro.asp?CountryID=17
Due date to submit a draft of your international business/marketing plan for my review and feedback (optional).
Project Meeting #4. Agenda: Finalizing the project. Questions, consultations.
Video: To Russia with Fries.

May Term project presentations (please choose your spot on the first come, first served basis.
5 13  Term project report is due (early submission is welcome).
 Peer evaluation is due (if applicable).

Individual final take home exam report presentations

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MBAG/H 646 International Entrepreneurship Spring 2008 Instructor: Anatoly Zhuplev